Billboard’s Favorite Innovations – Billboard

Beauty giant L’Oréal teams up with Zuvi, a startup company conceived by drone engineers and scientists, to develop a game-changing styling tool, Airlight Pro. This sophisticated hair styling accessory is not only good for your hair, but it’s also better for the planet, saving on energy consumption in an innovative way. Using a blend of infrared-light technology and wind, the Airlight Pro makes hair smoother and more hydrated while also drying it faster. Airlight Pro channels the heat flow in a way that serves a myriad of hair types with a more efficient, eco-friendly method than a standard blow dryer. 

Why We Love It: Whether you use it at home or for your profession, Airlight Pro is a must have in your beauty toolbox. It saves up to about 31 percent in energy usage, delivers up to 59 percent smoother hair and provides faster hair drying times. This hairdryer’s design is so smart that some might say it’s mind-blowing.

Available sometime in 2024.

Cost: Under $400

will.i.am collaborates with Mercedes-AMG to launch a cutting-edge car audio system. The advanced software and sensors in the MBUX Sound Drive elevate the auto listening experience, converting everyday driving mechanisms like acceleration, steering, and braking into musical expressions, making it possible for the driver to compose in the moment. Ultimately, MBUX Sound Drive aims to turn the technology into an open music platform for everyone to use.

Why We Love It: MBUX Sound Drive essentially transforms Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles into musical instruments. Through precise “in-car signals,” the system links the car’s hardware and music software, allowing the music to respond in real-time to the driving dynamics.

Available: Mid-2024

Cost: Varies based on car

Dolby Atmos FlexConnect transforms home theater into a luxury cinema experience without the guesswork of placing surround sound speakers. Users proficiently combine a television’s sound system with wireless speakers, earmarking a more immersive and extensive soundscape. The first TV brand to include Dolby Atmos FlexConnect in its 2024 TV line is TCL and Hisense will follow.

Why We Love It: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect features three benefits: Simple setup, dynamic audio balancing and, of course, flexible speaker placement. The setup doesn’t require any additional equipment or cables and seamlessly adapts to any room layout and speaker setup. Audio is automatically distributed from TV speakers to wireless speakers, allowing the sound image to be tailored for listeners to enjoy the soundscapes no matter when the speakers live. Every seat is the best seat in the house.

Available: 2024

Cost: Varies based on television

Prepare to be amazed by Accenture’s Digital Human Concierge. A global business leader in information technology, Accenture demonstrates innovative ways to explore human and AI collaborations, like how AI agents can serve as tremendous archives but remain conversational and personable like a digital twin. Shown on a large Looking Glass holographic display, the Digital Twin “lives” on the display and is capable of interacting directly with people, answering their questions. At CES, MAIR welcomed attendees to the Accenture space; it responded to inquiries about the company’s 2024 Technology Vision. MAIR is powered on the back end by a Large Language Model (LLM) trained by over 45 GB of data and redefines customer experiences across industries, blending innovation, personalized engagement and humanized tech interaction.​

Why We Love It: While humanizing AI seems like a slippery slope, the Digital Human Concierge could potentially help businesses develop more intuitive technology to improve their products and services. According to Accenture, 95 percent of executives agree that making technology more human will greatly expand the opportunities of all industries. Finding new methods to help businesses flourish and expand while also improving human life seems to be a solid approach to embrace the AI revolution. 

We prioritize exercising our bodies but what are we doing for our brains? Part of Accenture’s CES 2024 presentation, BrainGym’s integrated neuro-sensing insights and GenAI capabilities allow users to unlock their mind power, privately and securely. In the BrainGym, you build mental fitness by controlling objects with focus, measured through a Mendi brain-sensing headband. Review progress through BrainGym Insights and learn to better understand brainwaves. Talk to a GenAI-powered BrainGym Coach for personalized recommendations.

Why We Love It: Mental health is health. AI is not only getting better at reading our minds, but it’s also helping us to better understand them. Assessing mental wellness and fitness in the workplace supports workforce wellbeing. Aggregate anonymized data gives employers continuous insights into the needs of their workforce. Technology like BrainGym can be used for job training, remote workforce team building and consumer engagement research.

Designed for the future of urban commuting, Urtopia Fusion GT has been dubbed the “iPhone in a bike” by its designer Hartmut Esslinger, renowned for his work at Apple and Sony. Urtopia e-bikes are connected to the Urtopia app and integrate with platforms such as Apple Health and Strava to enhance the cyclist experience. This is the first dual-motor, dual-battery e-bike (made of carbon fiber) and the pioneer in using ChatGPT with Urtopia’s voice recognition feature to deliver assistance instantly. As for speed, it hits 15 mph with a range of 75 miles to 124 miles (with the battery extender). Not only does it enrich bike-riding trips, but it also boasts eco-friendly manufacturing, reduces the carbon footprint and comes in recyclable cardboard packaging to eliminate plastic waste. It’s a lean green machine.

Why We Love It: The Urtopia Fusion GT, through the integration of iWatch health data, effectively monitors a rider’s heart rate while cycling, and automatically adjusts the journey. Also, the brand is highly committed to sustainable transportation, asserting that riding an e-bike is the greenest way to travel, revolutionizing short-range transport and reducing carbon emissions by 99 percent.

Available: July

Cost: $3,499

South Korean cosmetics company Amorepacific unveiled their latest cosmetic technological wonder, Lipcure Beam. In one unit, the beauty device encapsulates lip diagnosis, care and makeup capabilities. To assess the condition of the lips, the Lipcure Beam cap uses a sensor that detects moisture levels and provides diagnostic results when applied to the lips. When the cap is separated from its container, it acts as a makeup tool. The brush-like cosmetic applicator casts a specialized visible light to assist in lip care. 

Why We Love It: The beauty is in the details of the Lipcure Beam. Its portability is a plus, but its health benefits give it a unique edge. When a light-responsive material is applied to the lips, it interacts with Lipcure Beam’s light, amplifying the response of the natural vitamin riboflavin. This results in strengthening the lips’ collagen fibers while forming a moisturizing barrier on the surface, slowing down the process of lip aging and creating a more youthful look. 

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD

Launching in the U.S., French mini refrigerator, BeautiGloo, keeps skincare products and makeup fresh. According to industry experts, there are a myriad of benefits gained from applying cold skincare instruments on your face. The colder temperatures provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties while also preserving organic ingredients. 

Why We Love It: BeautiGloo uses science to revolutionize makeup storage with a touch screen design and intelligent thermal control software to efficiently maintain quality. Cosmetics kept cool last longer, saving money in the long run. Then, there are all the benefits that the cold offers the epidermis, such as stimulating blood circulation, increasing skin firmness and tone. 

Available: TBD

Cost: $250

Check in on mom or dad while giving them the freedom to live independently. Without intrusive cameras, Nomo Smart Care converts normal in-home motion into real-time app-based updates giving the “care circle” the ability to monitor everyday household activities of and loved ones and track any disruptions in established routines. It alerts users when the daily regimen does not go as planned. Safe environments prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses. 

Why We Love It: Nomo gives caregivers the ability to be anywhere versus in the home, allowing more freedom and independent living for everyone. The Nomo hub’s versatility includes the ability to facilitate instant two-way communication and place tags on household items such as medicine cabinets, toilet seats and refrigerators with the purpose of signaling movements concerning nutrition, incontinence care, or medication adherence. Tags are multi-functional with fall detection and emergency alert buttons. Additionally, it has a waterproof design, making it easy to position in the shower to enhance safety. 

Available: Now

Cost: $250

Kohler’s Anthem+ Digital Showering creates a multisensory showering experience with water, light, sound and stream. It includes 11 Kohler-created spa experiences — including a preset to energize at the start of the day and an experience to relax at its end. It also features smartphone connectivity, including voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home assistants. 

Why We Love It: Kohler’s latest digital shower innovation offers many ways to personalize something we do every day, showering. There are up-to nine customized preset combinations. The sophisticated minimalist design works with many different aesthetics and an intuitive touch sensitive surface gives the ability to monitor water usage and maximize water conservation. It can even put a hold on hot water for up to two minutes until you are ready to step into the shower. 

Available: February 2024

Cost: Starting at $2,800

The Samsung 85” Class QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV is powered by an NQ8 AI Gen3 processor for an experience that promises brilliant picture quality, mind-blowing sound and an enhanced design in the slimmest 8K TV ever. Mini LED technology makes the picture the brightest and most accurate it can be. Other fresh features include 8K AI Upscaling Pro, AI Motion Enhancer Pro and a new Infinity Air Stand. The upscaling feature is important as it transforms SD/HD content into 4K-like resolution and 4K content into 8K. It has a flat back so it is perfectly mounted against the wall and the Infinity Air Stand makes it seem as if it is floating. 

Why We Love It: The Samsung QN900D comes with new AI Motion Enhancer Pro, which has the ability to automatically recognize the sport you’re viewing and utilize deep learning to provide crystal-clear visual tracking of fast-moving objects on screen like footballs and baseballs. With Now+, when the television is off the blank screen turns into a customizable  interactive information center with weather updates, a family text messaging board and a music widget. For those who hate cords, the QN900D features the One Connect Box with a compact U-shaped module with two ports in the back, completely invisible to viewers. Connect your cable, satellite box, or video game system to the TV without wires. 

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD

Inspired by Samsung’s The Frame TV, the Samsung Music Frame is a speaker disguised as a picture frame. This customizable speaker seamlessly blends into any room, displaying any photograph or printed image. It delivers Dolby Atmos sound in a form factor that blends into any room, hiding 2 woofers, 2 tweeters and 2 mid-drivers behind your photo. Samsung SpaceFit technology perfectly calibrates audio to the environment with a wide radial sound range — high-quality and balanced music playback, no matter where you’re sitting. 

Why We Love It: Technology disguised as wall art is a win-win. The Music Frame can be used as either a standalone speaker or paired with a Samsung TV, soundbar or other wireless speaker. 

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD

Nextbase iQ is the first connected, triple-camera, AI Smart Dash Cam with up to 4K front and 1440p rear visibility in both day and night conditions. Pair it with the Nextbase app and watch your vehicle from anywhere. Receive notifications if the iQ detects impact or an intruder. Nextbase iQ features include live view, SmartSense Parking, Witness Mode, Guardian Mode, Roadwatch AI and Emergency SOS. 

Why We Love It: Nextbase iQ’s safety features give drivers more surveillance over the condition of their car and peace-of-mind over their well-being. Similar to smart home technology, this system is comprehensive and connected. The SmartSense Parking function is a dual-technology system powered by Nextbase Spatial Awareness and G-Force Sensors, constantly scanning the area surrounding the car and supplying notifications to warn of any dangers — with high-res images and video — to your smartphone. Additionally, if an incident occurs that causes the driver to be unresponsive, Nextbase Emergency SOS has the ability to alert emergency services to the vehicle’s location and other details.

Cost: 1K, $499.99; 2K, $599.99; 4K, $699.99, plus subscription

Available: Now

The ultimate workout partner, Sennheiser’s latest high-performance earbuds boast optimal features through the Qualcomm® S5 Sound Gen 2 platform and Snapdragon Sound™ Technology for aptX™ connectivity, making the sound quality seamless. This upcoming model will include multiple charging options like a USB-C port and a sleek Qi charging port.

Why We Love Them: With over seven hours of battery life, these earbuds will hold their charge for the toughest workouts. These essentials will come in three colors, including metallic silver, graphite and black copper.

Available: February 15 for pre-order

Cost: $299

The AI-powered Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro headphones boast heightened focus, crisp sound quality and a days-long battery life, all whole canceling out unwanted outside noise in a comfortable fashion. Featuring Neurable’s patented AI data analysis, listeners can enjoy tailored usage based on their habits and preference — all from the data of unique brain waves stemming from electroencephalogram tech. 

Why We Love Them: Neurable’s audio gear goes beyond traditional streaming. Connect to the app on any iOS or Android device to access data, metrics and productivity history.

Available: TBD

Cost: $649

One of the latest wireless surround sound systems on the market has a lot to offer. A compact chipset framework eliminates the dependence on a router or home Wi-Fi network for the AUDIO Cu hardware. The wireless reach enables speakers and devices to connect to the main system across an expanded area, giving strong potential for full immersion in the entertainment system’s minimalist framework.

Why We Love It: Fasetto, Inc. engineered the AUDIO Cu to be over 85 percent recyclable, thanks to the wireless design.

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD

Capitalizing on efficient space and operation, this low-maintenance combo washer/dryer only needs a 120V plug unit to run smoothly. This design forgoes a dryer vent, making this a portable and functional appliance choice for any housing arrangement. While the singular unit presents a compact design, its load potential can handle large bedding and other bulky laundry items.

Why We Love It: Anyone looking to save time, money and the planet will enjoy two-hour wash-and-dry cycles that use up to 50 percent fewer energy expenditures of a normal washer and dryer combination.

Available: Now

Cost: Starting at $2,499

Whether or not this tech feature pays homage to the “Guardians of the Galaxy” Walkman, the FiiO CP13 cassette player is a vintage treat. An authentic headphone plugin juxtaposes a modern USB-C port, and 13 hours of battery life guarantees long-lasting enjoyment. Also, the pure analog sound performance of this device doesn’t sacrifice quality for nostalgia.

Why We Love It: Choose a retro color from its numerous options, with blue and white available for the preorder picks.

Available: Now available for preorder; releases February 1

Cost: $99.99

JBL’s Smart Charging Case technology continues to set the precedent for earbud optimization, particularly in the upcoming Live 3 series. The groundbreaking trifecta of Buds, Beam and Flex products will include its signature touchscreen feature for control, wireless charging for ease of use and dozens of hours of playtime across all three styles.

Why We Love Them: Each installment in the series is waterproof with ergonomic noise-canceling style, for durability and added comfort.

Available: June 2024

Cost: $199.95

Introduce some color into life with Nanoleaf’s latest light synchronization technology. Using any associated home computer’s audio, the integrations sync to the music and create a one-of-a-kind light show. True to the brand, Orchestrator capabilities also extend into melody and beat matching to enhance the overall experience. 

Why We Love It: No matter the user’s streaming platform preference, the lighting integrations are compatible with any program.

Available: Spring 2024

Cost: TBD

No detail is ignored in the creation of this smart home espresso machine from Bosch. Four integrated system automate coffee brewing for consistent quality; the Long Lasting Ceramic Grinder that grinds beans to the perfect consistency for freshness; a Smart Water Pump for the ideal liquid ratio; an Intelligent Flow Heater to maintain proper temperatures throughout the brewing process; and the High-Tech Brewing Unit that supports, in short, optimal aromas.

Why We Love It: Control the brewing remotely with the machine’s Coffee Playlist feature, an extension of the Home Connect app that allows caffeine drinkers to plan their next pick-me-up from afar.

Available: Now

Cost: $3,699

Belkin’s modern power port is engineered to support multi-device charging with MagSafe 15W power, all through the assistance of a minimalist platform design. Charge compatible iPhones and Apple Watches alongside AirPods at lightning speeds, and at a glance, the LED features will indicate safe and successful charges.

Why We Love It: The boostCharge framework is adjustable, making the device placement a design choice as well as a functionality one. 

Available: Now

Cost: $149.99

The Clicks Creator Keyboard handheld add-on provides full-screen capabilities for iPhone creatives looking to maximize their screen surface area. Beyond the traditional usage, shortcodes and customizable automations coincide with the touchscreen usage and beyond, introducing opportunities for one-touch commands such as making calls and ordering rides.

Why We Love It: Remove the flexible casing to revert back to original iPhone use at any time. Plus, pressing down on physical keys is inherently satisfying.

Available: Spring 2024

Cost: Starting at $139

This lightweight travel essential comes with international adapters for global travel ease, along with several wattage speeds for correct usage in every country. Compatibility with Macbook, Windows and Android products across the board makes this travel charger a champion of tech diversity, and four USB-C PD ports ensure that every device has enough juice for transit.

Why We Love It: This compact device has the juice to refuel larger tech while maintaining the capacity to power up other devices simultaneously and without sacrificing charge quantity.

Available: Now

Cost: $119.99

This pet tech slides over any existing pet door to increase the security — and aesthetic. Every Pawport pet door uses premium materials around a reinforced base with adjustable LED color accents to customize the door’s edges. To control the functions, a free smartphone app tracks entrances and exits and allows pets to move across wide ranges of space — and yes, they come in several sizes to fit all pet frames.

Why We Love It: Advanced app features allow timed opens and closes, along with nighttime locks that keep pets safely indoors until the morning hours.

Available: TBD – preorder now

Cost: TBD

The EarFun Wave Pro noise-canceling over-ear wireless headphones are for die-hard gamers, music enthusiasts, audiobook listeners, or if you just need to replace your old headphones. They feature a hybrid active-noise cancellation performance of up to 45 dB and immediate anti-wind noise technology designed to keep out all the chatter and commotion, offering the listener a high-resolution experience driven by a pair of dynamic coil speakers. EarWave Pro’s advanced ENC technology and a 5-microphone AI-powered algorithm keep calls clear and voices easily distinguishable. 

Why We Love It: Besides the pricing, EarWave Pro has several other perks that make it a good deal. The headphones are lightweight with an 80-hour battery life. Plus, they only take 10 minutes to charge for 10 hours of playback. There is a Game Mode, which achieves extremely low latency (<55ms). (Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for data to travel from one point to another, which is crucial for gamers.) When the game is running, these headphones won’t lag.

Cost: $79.99

Available: Now

Why We Love It: When Supernal says the eVOTL will be a secure and speedy new way to get around town, they mean that the aircraft is designed to cruise 120 miles per hour at 1,500 feet altitude from point A to point B. This will save a lot of time on the commute. Unlike airplanes and helicopters, which are rather noisy air vehicles, Supernal’s eVOTL will operate quietly and is comparable to the sounds of a dishwater. 

Available: 2028

ROXi, the free music-video streaming app, announces its launch in the United States. Access 100 million music videos, hundreds of music video channels, music video karaoke, music games, and more on 90 percent of smart TVs, which include LG, Vizio, Samsung, Comcast, Roku, Sony Bravia, NVIDIA Shield TVs, TCL, HiSense, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV, starting in Q1 2024. For LG Television owners, ROXi’s catalog of 100 million music videos will be available in the content library, and all of it will be searchable via voice and via the LG Magic Remote. Despite the fact that many people listen to music on their phones, there is a substantial amount of interest in what this service offers. According to an independent poll commissioned by ROXi, 60 percent of US customers would switch from using audio-only smart speakers for home music to TVs that play whole music videos. 

Why We Love It: Celebs such as Simon Cowell, Kylie Monigue, Robbie Williams and Sheryl Crow are all-in on the ROXi service, and curate their own music video channels on the streaming app. Adding the visual element back into the music listening experience makes it more immersive and stimulating. 

Available: 2024

Hisense’s Automobile Laser Display is a game changer for in-vehicle experiences using advanced laser projection. The Automobile Laser Display shows a vibrant picture, featuring a TriChromaTM triple-laser projection and providing 48 percent higher color performance than LEDs. The automotive screen is 80 percent smaller compared to traditional options. Seamlessly blending the virtual and real-world elements, the Laser Holographic AR-HUD transforms the windshield into a holographic screen for safer driving. Another reason it stands out from other car display screens is because it maximizes its bright and vivid appearance, offering 200 percent luminous efficiency. 

Why We Love It: Every passenger’s viewing experience is improved by its innovative technique of adapting to its surroundings. The side and rear windows become immersive displays. To improve interactions between people and cars, the laser holographic projection also features headlight projection and programmable displays.

Although video games continue to become more realistic and visceral, there are still dimensional limitations. But it seems that technological advancements are growing closer and closer to becoming as immersive as films like Tron and Ready Player One. Now the Samsung 2D/3D Gaming Monitor enters the arena. It doesn’t require gamers to wear any devices. Instead, the 2D and 3D convertible panel technology adapts the mode to content.

Why We Love It: Gamers don’t have to use wearables to enjoy a 3D experience. The 3D mode uses eye and head tracking to monitor your location, maximizing the effects and creating an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, through analysis of the color and complexity of the screen content, the monitor also creates 3D effects such as shadowing. 

The LG Signature OLED TV 4K television apart features world’s first wireless transparent television screen. The 77-inch screen blends in with its environment seamlessly. This television setup also includes the Zero Connect Box, so users can enjoy a wire free environment. The OLED T becomes a lucent digital canvas for displaying videos, photos or artwork with the Always-On-Display (AOD) feature. 

Why We Love It: The mesmerizing floating aesthetic of the LG Signature TV shows images that seems to hover in midair while simultaneously merging in with the surroundings, creating a striking and surreal visual effect. Not to mention, this television screen can be installed as a stand-alone, against-the-wall or wall-mount. 

Available: TBD

Air2 Ultra, XREAL’s newest AR glasses, formerly known as “Nreal,” are on a mission to make AR available to everyone. Images appear clear and vibrant in a variety of light settings thanks to Full HD for each eye, a quick refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. With its directional audio technology and cinematic-quality audio, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra reduces sound dispersion for improved privacy and less disruption.

Why We Love It: There are many AR glasses on the market that are heavy and bulky, but these are not. Featuring a sleek new titanium ring frame, XREAL’s Air2 Ultra glasses exceed the ISO standards of image quality and viewing ease. Each pair of XREAL Air 2 ultra glasses are certified for color accuracy, eye comfort, flicker-free usage and low blue light.

Available: March 2024

Cost: Pre-order for $699

Volkswagen is the first automobile company to use integrate ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant. To activate the assistant, the driver says “Hello, IDA” — or presses a button. But if you are hesitant about connecting the two, it may give peace of mind to know that the chatbot won’t gain access to any vehicle data as questions and answers are immediately deleted. 

Why We Love It: One way to make roads safer is to keep people’s eyes focused on the road. ChatGPT’s integration into Volkswagen makes it easier for drivers to ask questions on the spot, reducing driver distraction. Hands-free technology is not only more convenient, but it is safer. The IDA voice assistant can help with navigation, air conditioning controls, monitor the infotainment and answer general questions. It’s the ultimate co-pilot.

Available: The second quarter of 2024

Gen Phoenix is the world’s first and only producer of sustainable recycled leather at scale. It gives new life to leather waste by transforming it into a sustainable alternative through a circular process that rescues leather offcuts destined for landfill and regenerates them into a premium recycled leather material. At CES 2024, they highlighted two of their most innovative recent collaborations with fashion brand Coach and its sustainable sub-brand Coachtopia and music-industry-favored boot legend Dr. Marten.

Why We Love It: Gen Phoenix CMO Elyse Winer says Gen Phoenix is committed to zero waste solutions and since 2007 the company has diverted thousands of tons of material from landfills. With Gen Phoenix, Dr. Martens will be releasing a more sustainable version of their iconic boot, available in the coming months. 

Available: Mid-2024

Victrola Stream Sapphire is for the vinyl lover who wants high-quality wireless audio fused with sleek design and premium components. It offers the ability to stream vinyl with impressive clarity to Sonos, UPnP and Roon integrated systems and with support for up to 24-bit/48kHz lossless FLAC audio. Effortlessly, subscribers of Roon – a music management and listening solution offering Airplay, Chromecast, and high-performance Roon Ready connectivity – as well as owners of UPnP network-enabled streaming devices such as home theater A/V receivers, UPnP speakers, and smart TVs will be able to enjoy a wireless vinyl experience with no additional equipment required.

Why We Love It: As the first Stream turntable to launch with multiple connectivity options, Victrola Stream Sapphire makes it easy to wirelessly stream to a speaker setup, all through the Victrola Stream app. Structurally, Victrola Stream Sapphire brings clear audio from its low-resonance MDF plinth with walnut veneer and adjustable-height aluminum feet with sound dampening base. A two-speed brushless motor provides quiet and consistent speed control.

Available: Spring 2024

Cost: $1,499